Liquid flow diversion arrangement

ABSTRACT

An improved liquid flow diversion arrangement for use with an additive dispensing system in an automatic washer. Included is a liquid flow diverter of the transverse pressure differential type having control ports coupled to atmosphere by tubes whose open ends terminate at the machine sequence control timer. Means are provided associated with the timer for closing the open ends of the tubes and thereby the control ports at predetermined times to effect liquid flow diversion. A check valve is provided at the outer end of each control port for preventing liquid from escaping from the fluid diverter. A chamber is coupled by a segment of the tubing between each control port and the timer for accumulating liquid that may bypass the check valves and further, for preventing audible sonic oscillations which may occur in the liquid flow diversion arrangements due to the inherent ability of the diverter to amplify resonance in the system. Coupled to the respective chambers at the bottoms thereof are a pair of hoses for draining liquid accumulating in the chamber, the hoses being dimensioned to act as closed valves with respect to the control ports while at the same time allowing liquid to drain automatically from the chamber when a sufficient head has been built up therein.

United States Patent 1w:

Waugh et al.

1 1 LIQUID FLOW DIVERSION ARRANGEMENT 175] Inventors: Richard A. Waugh;Ved l. Gakhar.

both of Louisville. Ky.

[73] Assignec: General Electric Company.

Louisville, Ky.

[22] Filed: Oct. I5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 406,535

I52] U.S. Cl. 137/832; 68/17 R [51] Int. Cl. D06F 39/02 [58] Field atSearch 137/841. 836. 837. 806.

[56] Reierences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.373.905 3/1968 Laufer. Sr137/806 X 3.401.834 9/1968 Siegla 222/62 3.441.066 4/l9b9 Wilhire t137/832 X 3.527.240 9/1970 Metzgerm. 137/836 X 3.575.210 4/1971 Fussellt 137/806 X 3.670.754 6/1972 Freeman l37/836 X 3.760.612 9/1973 Bochanet al 134/93 X Prinmry Examiner-William R. Cline 1 5i Aug. 5, 1975 l 571 ABSTRACT An improved liquid flow diversion arrangement for use with anadditive dispensing system in an automatic washer. included is a liquidflow diverter of the transverse pressure differential type havingcontrol ports coupled to atmosphere by tubes whose open ends terminateat the machine sequence control timer. Means are provided associatedwith the timer for closing the open ends of the tubes and thereby thecontrol ports at predetermined times to effect liquid flow diversion. Acheck valve is provided at the outer end of each control port forpreventing liquid from escaping from the fluid diverter. A chamber iscoupled by a segment of the tubing between each control port and thetimer for accumulating liquid that may bypass the check valves andfurther. for preventing audible sonic oscillations which may occur inthe liquid flow diversion arrangements clue to the inherent ability ofthe diverter to amplify resonance in the system. Coupled to therespective chambers at the bottoms thereof are a pair of hoses fordraining liquid accumulating in the chamber, the hoses being dimensionedto act as closed valves with respect to the control ports while at thesame time allowing liquid to drain automatically from the chamber when asufficient head has been built up therein.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED AUG 5 9 5 SHEET PATENTED 519753897, 806

LIQUID FLOW DIVERSION ARRANGEMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Fieldof the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid flowdiversion arrangement and more particularly. to an automatic washerhaving an additive dispensing system including a milti-compartmenteddispenser making use of such a liquid flow diversion arrangement forflushing additives from the dispenser into the washer at predeterminedtimes during a washing cycle.

2. Description of the prior art In an automatic washing machine, it isdesirable that additives be dispensed automatically. When the dispensing of additives is automatic, the user may load the fabrics to bewashed into the wash tub and place the additives into their propercompartments or containers, and the machine automatically completes thecycle of operations. Better results are obtained if these variousadditives are dispensed with water so that the additives are meteredinto the wash tub and evenly distributed therethrough. In US. Pat. No.3,727,434-Bochan and US. Pat. No. 3,760,6l2-Bochan et al, both assignedto the same assignee as the present invention, there are shown automaticwashers for carrying out such operations. Additive dispensing systemsare disclosed therein which make use of a liquid flow diverter forsupplying water to the appropriate compartments of an additive dispensersuch that additives may be dispensed into the washing machineautomatically during the appropriate portion of the washing cycle. Priorart as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,5 l 3,866-Boothe et al., also assigned to thesame assignee as the present invention, shows a fluid amplifier orliquid flow diverter for selectively diverting a stream of water fordispensing additives from separate compartments into the wash tub of anautomatic washing machine.

Since it is desirable that the liquid flow diverter be responsive to asequence control timer to selectively divert a water stream to theappropriate dispenser compartments at predetermined times during awashing cycle, it has been found advantageous to couple the re spectivecontrol ports of such a liquid diverter with a sequence control timerthrough a pair of tubes. Also, since diversion of water by the diverteris accomplished as a result of transverse pressure differential effectedby closing alternate control ports to atmosphere. it has been found thatthe closing of these control ports may be advantageously effected bymeans associated with the timer which will cause the closing of thetubes associated with the respective control ports.

In one diverter arrangement, a check valve is provided associated witheach control port for preventing the emergence of liquid from therespective control ports resulting from foreign materials plugging thediverter efflux nozzle. Also, a chamber is coupled respectively betweeneach control port and its respective closing means for accumulatingliquid that may bypass the check valves, the chamber being dimensionedfor preventing audible sonic oscillations in the liquid flow diversionarrangement arising from the inherent ability of the diverter to amplifyresonance in the system.

A problem then arises, what to do about liquid accumulating in therespective chambers. If the liquid is not drained therefrom, thechambers will overfill and liquid will flow through the respective tubeseventually to pour out into the control compartment resulting inincapacitation of the automatic washer.

It is highly desirable to be able to drain the accumulating chambersautomatically, yet have an arrangement that does not adversely affectthe operation of the control ports.

By the present invention, there is provided an improved liquid flowdiversion arrangement that provides these desirable characteristics andis highly reliable, efficient and of low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, thereis provided a liquid flow diversion arrangement including a liquiddiverter. The diverter has a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquidoutlet providing a plurality of exit paths for the liquid, and at leastone control port coupled to ambient. The arrangement further includesmeans for selectively closing the control port from ambient fordetermining through which exit path liquid entering the main inlet willemerge. Means are provided coupled between the control port and itsclosing means for accumulating liquid emerging from the con trol port,the accumulating means being dimensioned for preventing audible sonicoscillations in the liquid flow diversion arrangement. Means areprovided associated with the accumulating means for draining liquidaccumulating therein, the draining means being dimensioned to act as aclosed valve with respect to the control port, while allowing liquid todrain automatically from the accumulating means when a sufficient headhas been built up therein. If more than one control port is employed,then each would have its respective clos ing means and preventing means.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid flowdiversion arrangement which provides means for automatically drainingtherefrom liquid that may accumulate therein.

It is a further object to provide, in an automatic washer including anadditive dispensing system, a liquid flow diversion arrangement capableof selectively diverting liquid into pre-selected dispenser compartments at predetermined times while allowing liquid that may accumulatein the diversion arrangements to drain automatically therefrom so as toprevent liquid that may back up in the diverter from reaching theelectrical components of the automatic washer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an automatic clothes washingmachine incorporating one embodiment of my invention, the view beingpartly broken away and partly in section;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an additive dispensing systemincorporating the liquid flow diversion arrangement of the presentinvention, in one form thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the additive dispensing system in atreating agent loading position;

FIG. 4 is a view of the liquid flow diversion arrangement of the presentinvention showing in section the liquid diverter and the additivedispenser which may be associated therewith; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 55 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, we haveshown therein an automatic washing machine of the vertical axis typehaving a conventional perforated wash tub or basket 11 disposed withinan outer imperforate liquid retaining outer tub 12. With thiscombination, the tubs 11 and 12 form suitable means for containingliquid and the fabrics to be washed in said liquid. The outer tub 12 isrigidly mounted within an appearance cabinet 13 which includes an accesslid or cover 14 hingedly mounted on a hinge rod 16 on the top portion ofthe cabinet for providing access through an opening 17 to the basket 1].

Shown positioned over the tub l1 and projecting into the opening 17 is awash water treating agent dispenser 18 which forms a portion of theadditive dispensing system. Such a system may be of the type describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,727,434-Bochan and US. Pat. No. 3,760,6l2-Bochan etal, both assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.Preferably this is effected by removably and hingedly mounting thedispenser 18 to the underside of the access lid by suitable means to bedescribed hereinafter in detail. At the center of the wash tub 11 thereis positioned an agitator 19 for flexing clothes during a washingoperation. Conventionally. the basket is mounted for rotation and theagitator is mounted for some type of oscillatory motion which willeffect washing action on the clothes in the basket.

Basket 11 and agitator 19 are driven from a reversible motor 21 througha drive including a clutch 22 which through a suitable belt 23 transmitspower to a transmission 24. When the motor 21 is rotated in onedirection the transmission causes a slow speed oscillation of theagitator 19. Conversely, when the motor is driven in the oppositedirection the transmission drives both basket and agitator at a highspeed for centrifugal extraction of the liquid from the clothes. Whilethe particular form of the drive means does not form a part of thepresent invention, reference is made to US. Pat. No. 2,844,225 to JamesR. Hubbard et al., assigned to General Electric Company, assignee of thepresent invention.

In addition to operating the transmission 24 as described, motor 21 alsoprovides a direct drive to a pump structure which includes separatepumping units 26 and 27. During the high speed operation pump 27 drawsliquid from the outer tub 12 and discharges it through conduit 28.During wash or slow speed the pump 26 draws liquid in through conduit 29and discharges through conduit 31. Conduit 31 extends up to andterminates at a fluid amplifier or liquid flow diverter 32, which willhereinafter be described in detail. The diverter 32 is fixedly mountedon the cabinet top and has its outlet end 33 arranged to cooperateselectively with suitable inlets in the dispenser l8 and the filter pan34 in a manner that will be disclosed later in the description of theoperation of the present invention. Mounted on the cabinet 13 is acontrol compartment 36 in which are located control devices, including acycle controller or sequence control timer 37 which conducts the washingmachine and the diverter 32 through various cycles of operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawing there is shown dispenser18 wherein a straight portion 38 is provided with a pair of bifurcatedears 39 (FIGS. 4 and 9) formed integral with the dispenser. The ears 39engage the rod 16 which has its free ends suitably journalled throughthe access lid 14 and into the cabinet top. Ears 39 and rod 16 form ahinge about which the dispenser may be rotated independent of the accesslid 14. The bifurcated ears 39 are dimensioned to allow the removal ofthe dispenser 18 from the machine when it is desirable not to dispenseadditives automatically or for easy cleaning of the dispenser away fromthe washing machine.

Diametrically opposite the portion 38 there is provided a latch member41 which is adapted to engage a keeper or bracket 42 on the cover 14 forholding the dispenser in the latched position shown in FIG. 2. In thisup or latched position the dispenser rotates with the lid 14 to an openposition away from the opening 17 thereby exposing the wash tub 11 tothe user for insertion of fabrics to be washed and for their removal atthe end of the wash operation.

In order to provide access to the tub 11 and the fabrics thereinwhenever the lid is rotated to its open position, it is desirable tohave the dispenser 18 rotate with the lid. To insure that the dispenseris latched to the access lid prior to rotating the lid to its openposition the relationship of the machine cabinet top, access lid 14 anddispenser 18 may be designed such that the latch 41 and keeper 42automatically engage when the access lid 14 is rotated to its closedposition over the dispenser 18.

Subsequent to filling the wash tub 11 with fabrics to be washed and thedetermination is made to automatically dispense one or more treatingagents into the machine tub the dispenser 18 may then be unlatched androtated to the position shown in FIG. 3. In this down or effectiveposition the dispenser is accessible to the user of the machine forselectively inserting treating agents to be automatically dispensedduring the washing operation into one or all of a plurality of openings43, 44, 46 and 47 provided in the cover member 48 of the dispenser 18.The openings 43, 44, 46 and 47 are defined by funnel-like inwardly anddownwardly projecting wall portions that facilitate the introduction oftreating agents therethrough. Generally a prewash or soak agent may beplaced in opening 43 to be effective during the prewash or soak cycle ofthe wash operation, a detergent or washing agent may be placed inopening 44 and a bleach may be placed in opening 46 to be dispensedduring the washing cycle of the wash operation while a rinse agent maybe placed in opening 47 to be dispensed during the rinse cycle of thewash operation. Referring now to HO. 4, the dispenser is shown with thecover 48 removed therefrom to expose details of construction. Thedispenser 18 as shown is generally an annularly-shaped segmented channelor trough defined by annular inner and outer walls 50 and S1respectively, The outer wall 51 is generally imperforate except forinlets 49a and 49b located below portion 38 as to be in cooperativerelationship with the outlet 33 of the diverter 32 when the dispenser 18is in its effective position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The dispenser 18is divided into four annular compartments 52, S3, 54 and 55 by a seriesof radial walls 57, 58 and 59 which project upwardly from a bottom wall61 to the cover 48 and extend from the inner wall 50 to the outer wall51. The openings 43, 44, 46 and 47 in the cover 48 as shown in dottedlines communicate with the compartments 52, 53, 54 and 55 respectivelyso that presoak agents placed in opening 43 pass through compartment 52,detergent placed into opening 44 is stored in com partment 53, bleachplaced into opening 46 is stored in compartment 54 and rinse agentplaced into opening 47 is stored in compartment 55.

Unlike compartments 53, 54 and 55, compartment 52 is not designed tostore a treating agent but merely provides a passageway for introducingprewash liquid treating agents directly into the tub 11 or into filterpan 34 to be effective during the first fill cycle of the machine. Tothis end the bottom wall portion of the compartment 52 has an opening 62which is larger than the corresponding opening 43 in the cover 48 tofacilitate easy dispensing of the prewash agent. Further, the opening isso located as to be directly over the filter pan 34, thus, if it isdesired, the prewash agent may be dispensed from the filter pan as willhereafter be explained.

Detergent or soap to be dispensed from compartment 53 during the washcycle is usually in solid, granular, or high viscosity water solubleform. The bottom wall 61 is provided with a discharge outlet or opening63 adjacent the lower end of wall 57 and extending across substantiallythe entire width of the wall 57. At the opposite end of the compartment53 from wall 57, there is provided an ingress wall 64 which has anopening 65 along the bottom wall 61. Opening 65 is connected to theinlet area 49b by a passageway 66. The detergent or soap powder enteringthe compartment 53 will arrange itself in a pile substantially acrossthe full width of bottom wall 61. The opening 65 is so dimensioned thatwater entering therethrough is directed in a fanlike stream over thefull width of the bottom wall. This shallow, relatively high velocitydischarge from opening 65 will encounter the dry powder to undercut andintermix thoroughly therewith to effectively convey it along the bottomwall into outlet 63 and thence into tub 11. In practice, the flow ofliquid through opening 65 continues after the powder has been evacuated,so there is no substantial residue within the chamber.

Bleach stored in compartment 54 is dispensed during the wash cyclesubsequent to the dispensing of the detergent in a manner that willhereinafter be described in detail. Compartment 54 is defined by walls50, 51, 58 and 59. Extending into compartment 54 along walls 50 and 58is the outlet end 67 of a channel or passageway 68. Passageway 68 islocated adjacent the cover 48 and connects the compartment 54 with theinlet area 49b. Located in the bottom wall 61 adjacent the outer wall 51is a discharge outlet 70 through which the bleach stored in thecompartment 54 is introduced into the tub 11. Bleach stored in thecompartment 54 may be liquid and concentrated in form. In order toprevent liquid from draining into the tub prematurely, a wall or barrier72 is located around the discharge outlet 70 in a manner that iseffective to isolate compartment 54 from outlet 70. When the bleach isin concentrated form, the barrier allows mixing of the bleach stored inthe compartment with water entering through outlet 67 and the mixturemust rise above the top of barrier 72 before liquid can pass throughopening 70. The flow of water entering the compartment from thepassageway is metered in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Provision is made to drain the compartment 54 when the water flow fromoutlet 67 terminates. A siphon 73 has its short leg 74 positioned withinthe chamber 54 and extending to a point adjacent the bottom wall 61.

The longer leg 75 of the siphon 73 extends down outside of the barrier72 and is positioned within the outlet 70. The top or curved portion 76of the siphon passes through the barrier 72 at a point below which theliquid drains over the barrier.

When the mixture reaches a level that it drains over the barrier 72, ithas also reached the top of the siphon at which point siphoning actionstarts with liquid draining through the siphon and through outlet 70. Itwill be observed that this action of draining through the siphon andoutlet 70 will continue until the water entering the compartment 54through outlet 67 terminates and then the mixture of bleach and water inthe compartment will continue to flow out through the siphon until thechamber is emptied.

Rinse agent which is dispensed during the rinse cycle is stored incompartment 55 which is defined by walls 50, 51, 59 and a wall portion78 opposite wall 59. Extending into compartment 55 along the wall 50 and59 is the outlet end 80 of a trough or passageway 81. The passageway 81is located adjacent the cover 48 and connects compartment 55 with inletarea 490. The provision for mixing rinse aid with water entering thecompartment 55 and for draining the mixture from said compartment issimilar to the arrangement provided in compartment 54. A dischargeoutlet 82 in the bottom wall 61 is isolated from the compartment 55 by awall or barrier 83 and a siphon tube 84 is disposed to connect thecompartment 55 with the outlet 82.

Provision is made so that additives or treating agents stored in thecompartments 53, 54 and 55 are retained in the dispenser 18 in the eventit is inadvertently or prematurely rotated to its up position prior tothe dispensing of all the additives. in compartments 54 and 55 when thecontents stored therein may be in liquid form the openings 46 and 47 inthe cover 48 are so located in relation to the compartment walls that asubstantial retention area is provided together with cover 48 to trapthe contents. Provision is also made to prevent the contents ofcompartments 54 and 55 from discharging through the respectivepassageways 68 and 81. The outlet ends 67 and 80 of the passageways 68and 81 are located in the area of the compartments 54 and 55 away fromthe hinge end of the dispenser 18 so as to be disposed above theretention area when the dispenser is in its up position. In compartment53 the passageway 65 between the inlet 49b and the opening 66 has a U-shaped portion adjacent the opening 66 that is effective in trapping anywetted detergent from discharging through inlet 49b.

In accordance with the present invention, improved means for divertingfresh or recirculation flow in an automatic washer into preselected onesof the dispenser inlet areas 49a and 49b and thereby into theappropriate dispenser compartments are provided. Referring to FIG. 4,there is shown an embodiment of a liquid flow diversion arrangementwhich is capable of providing recirculating liquid such as water fromthe tub l1 selectively in a plurality of exit paths such as to the threeoutlet areas 102, 104 and 106 of diverter 32. The liquid flow diverter32 is provided with a main inlet 110 which is connected to conduit 31. Amain passage 112 is formed in the diverter connecting the main inlet 110to a liquid outlet or efflux nozzle 114. The passage 112 is terminatedadjacent a pair of diametrically-opposed control ports 116 and 118 whichare coupled respectively to ambient or atmosphere through a pair oftubes 120 and 122 respectively.

Means are provided for selectively closing each of the control portsrespectively from atmosphere for determining through which of the exitpaths or areas 102, 104 and 106 liquid entering the main inlet 110 willemerge. The tubes 120 and 122 are secured to the timer 37 such that theopen ends or passages 124 and 126 respectively of tubes 120 and 122 arepositioned to cooperate with the free ends of a pair of pivotallymountedarms 128 and 130 respectively (FIG. In operation, a cam 132 responsiveto operation of timer 37 is arranged to rotate arm 130 about its pivotaway from or toward the passage 126 of tubing 122 to open or close it toatmosphere, while a cam 134 also responsive to operation of timer 37 isarranged to rotate arm 128 about its pivot away or toward the passage124 of tube 120 to open or close it to atmosphere.

The cams 132 and 134 may be actuated at predetermined times in the washoperation to selectively open and close passages 124 and 126 and therebycontrol ports 116 and 118 to atmosphere. During the pre-wash operation,the cams 132 and 134 are positioned to keep both passages 124 and 126open to atmosphere and, since there is no transverse pressuredifferential across the stream of recirculating water flowing throughmain passage 112. the water will exit in a path to flow generally acrossarea 104. During the rinse operation, the timer 37 actuatcs the cam 134to close passage 124 and the transverse pressure differential createdacross the stream of water flowing through passage 112 will cause it toexit in a path to flow generally in area 106 of diverter 32. During thewash operation the cam 132 is actuated by timer 37 to close passage 126,and the transverse pressure differential across the stream of waterflowing through passage 112 will cause it to exit in a path to flowgenerally across area 102 of diverter 32.

Means for preventing liquid emergence such as a pair of ball checkvalves 136 and 138 have been inserted at the outer ends of control ports116 and 118 respectively. Tubes 120 and 122 are then coupledrespectively to the exposed open ends of check valves 136 and 138. Inthe event that any foreign material becomes lodged in efflux nozzle 114of the diverter, any back flow through control ports 116 and 118 willcause check vales 136 and 138 respectively to seal to substantially stopthe flow of water from reaching timer 37 and control compartment 36.

Means such as a pair of chambers 140 and 142 have been provided coupledrespectively between control ports 116 and 118 and their respectiveclosing means or arms 128 and 130. Chambers 140 and 142 are arranged foraccumulating liquid such as water that may bypass check valves 136 and138 respectively and are further dimensioned for preventing audiblesonic oscillations in liquid flow diversion arrangement 100. Whenaudible sonic oscillations are witnessed they can be eliminated bychanging the relative dimensions of the chambers to the dimensions ofthe tubes. Tubes 120 and 122 have been cut into portions 120a and lb and1220 and 1221; respectively to allow the interposition or insertion ofchambers 140 and 142 respectively.

It has been found that a chamber of relatively large volume with respectto the coupling tubes tends to lower the frequency of oscillation belowthe minimum operating range of the diverter thereby eliminating audiblesonic oscillations. However, a point to be considered is the length oftube from the control port of the diverter to the chamber. If the tubesare long enough, they may ignore the chambers and start oscillation,therefore, this length at high water level in the washer should be shortenough so that it has no oscillatory effect of its own when coupled withthe chamber. On the other hand. at lower water levels in the washer, thelength of tube from the diverter control port to the chamber should belong enough to prevent very low frequency oscillations from starting.

To solve the problem arising when water accumulates in the respectivechambers and 142, means are provided for draining chambers 140 and 142periodically and automatically so that they may not overfill therebyallowing water to escape to flow into control panel 36. A pair of drainhoses 144 and 146 have been provided to effect the draining of chambers140 and 142 respectively. The length and diameter of hoses 144 and 146have been carefully selected so that the head loss of the respectivehoses when using air as the flowing medium is great enough so as tolimit the air flow to a quantity less than that required to replenishthe air loss in the diverter control ports 116 and 118. In other words,the impedance presented by hoses 144 and 146 is very high so as to havesubstantially no effect upon control ports 116 and 118, in essenceacting as closed valves with respect to the control ports.

Water however, having a greater density than air, has a lower head losswhen used as the flowing medium in the same hose. Furthermore, byplacing the hoses 144 and 146 in a vertical position, any wateraccumulated in chambers 140 and 142 will have a pressure differentialdue to gravity and will, upon building up a sufficient head, start toflow through hoses 144 and 146 and continue by siphoning action untilthe chambers are emptied.

An arrangement found suitable consists of a pair of chambers or tanksblow molded with a web between them so as to result in a single unit150. Each tank has a pair of openings therein for attachment to tubes120 and 122 and further, each tank has been provided with a drain holeat the bottom thereof for suitable attachment to drain hoses 144 and 146respectively. Such a chamber or tank assembly 150 may be secured to theframe of the washing machine in close proximity to diverter 32 and drainhoses 144 and 146 are also suitably attached to the frame of the'washersuch that water flow therefrom may be aided by gravity (see FIG. 1).

Dimensions and values found suitable for such an arrangement include:

Tanks I40 and 142 Tubes 120a and 122a 8 cu. in volume for each 56"inside diameter by 7" long for each V4" inside diameter by 22" long foreach .060" inside diameter by 27" long for each Tubes 120!) and 12211Hoses 144 and I46 be the presently preferred form of this invention. Inaccordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in thedisclosed apparatus and the manner in which it is used without actuallydeparting from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A liquid flow diversion arrangement including a liquid diverterhaving a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquid outlet providing aplurality of exit paths, and at least one control port coupled toambient, the arrange ment further including means for closing thecontrol port from ambient for determining through which exit path liquidentering the main inlet will emerge, and means coupled between thecontrol port and its closing means for accumulating liquid emerging fromthe control port and dimensioned for preventing audible sonicoscillations in the liquid flow diversion arrangement, wherein theimprovement comprises:

means associated with the accumulating means for draining liquidaccumulating therein and being dimensioned to act as a closed valve withrespect to the control port, while allowing liquid to drainautomatically from the accumulating means when a sufficient head hasbeen built up therein.

2. The diversion arrangement of claim 1 further including meansassociated with the control port for sub stantially preventing theemergence of liquid therefrom.

3. A liquid flow diversion arrangement including a transverse pressuredifferential liquid diverter having a main inlet for liquid to enter, aliquid outlet providing a plurality ofexit paths for the liquid, and apair of control ports coupled respectively to ambient, the arrangementfurther including means for selectively closing each of the controlports respectively from ambient for determining through which exit pathliquid entering the main inlet will emerge, and a chamber coupledrespectively between each control port and its respective closing meansfor accumulating liquid emerging from the control ports, the chambersbeing dimensioned for preventing audible sonic oscillations in theliquid flow diversion arrangement. wherein the improvement comprises:

a hose associated respectively with each chamber for draining liquidaccumulating therein, the hose being dimensioned to act as a closedvalve with respect to the control port, while allowing liquid to drainautomatically from the chamber when a sufficient head has been built uptherein.

4. The diversion arrangement of claim 3 further including a check valveassociated with each control port respectively for substantiallypreventing the emergence of liquid therefrom.

5. ln an automatic washer, a liquid flow diversion arrangement includinga liquid diverter having a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquidoutlet providing a plurality of exit paths, and at least one controlport coupled to ambient, the arrangement further including means forclosing the control port from ambient for determining through which exitpath liquid entering the main inlet will emerge, and means coupledbetween the control port and its closing means for accumulating liquidemerging from the control port and dimensioned for preventing audiblesonic oscillations in the liquid flow diversion arrangement, wherein theimprovement comprises:

means associated with the accumulating means for draining liquidaccumulating therein and being dimensioned to act as a closed valve withrespect to the control port, while allowing liquid to drainautomatically from the accumulating means when a sufficient head hadbeen built up thereinv 6. The diversion arrangement of claim 5 furtherincluding means associated with the control port for substantiallypreventing the emergence of liquid therefrom.

1. A liquid flow diversion arrangement including a liquid diverterhaving a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquid outlet providing aplurality of exit paths, and at least one control port coupled toambient, the arrangement further including means for closing the controlport from ambient for determining through which exit path liquidentering the main inlet will emerge, and means coupled between thecontrol port and its closing means for accumulating liquid emerging fromthe control port and dimensioned for preventing audible sonicoscillations in the liquid flow diversion arrangement, wherein theimprovement comprises: means associated with the accumulating means fordraining liquid accumulating therein and being dimensioned to act as aclosed valve with respect to the control port, while allowing liquid todrain automatically from the accumulating means when a sufficient headhas been built up therein.
 2. The diversion arrangement of claim 1further including means associated with the control port forsubstantially preventing the emergence of liquid therefrom.
 3. A liquidflow diversion arrangement including a transverse pressure differentialliquid diverter having a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquid outletproviding a plurality of exit paths for the liquid, and a pair ofcontrol ports coupled respectively to ambient, the arrangement furtherincluding means for selectively closing each of the control portsrespectively from ambient for determining through which exit path liquidentering the main inlet will emerge, and a chamber coupled respectivelybetween each control port and its respective closing means foraccumulating liquid emerging from the control ports, the chambers beingdimensioned for preventing audible sonic oscillations in the liquid flowdiversion arrangement, wherein the improvement comprises: a hoseassociated respectively with each chamber for draining liquidaccumulating therein, the hose being dimensioned to act as a closedvalve with respect to the control port, while allowing liquid to drainautomatically from the chamber when a sufficient head has been built uptherein.
 4. The diversion arrangement of claim 3 further including acheck valve associated with each control port respectively forsubstantially preventing the emergence of liquid therefRom.
 5. In anautomatic washer, a liquid flow diversion arrangement including a liquiddiverter having a main inlet for liquid to enter, a liquid outletproviding a plurality of exit paths, and at least one control portcoupled to ambient, the arrangement further including means for closingthe control port from ambient for determining through which exit pathliquid entering the main inlet will emerge, and means coupled betweenthe control port and its closing means for accumulating liquid emergingfrom the control port and dimensioned for preventing audible sonicoscillations in the liquid flow diversion arrangement, wherein theimprovement comprises: means associated with the accumulating means fordraining liquid accumulating therein and being dimensioned to act as aclosed valve with respect to the control port, while allowing liquid todrain automatically from the accumulating means when a sufficient headhad been built up therein.
 6. The diversion arrangement of claim 5further including means associated with the control port forsubstantially preventing the emergence of liquid therefrom.